E. T. A. Hoffmann

E. T. A. Hoffmann, short for Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann, was a multifaceted German author, composer, music critic, and artist born on January 24, 1776, in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia). He is best known for his literary work, which belongs to the Romantic movement, and his stories often contain elements of the fantastical and the uncanny. Hoffmann's tales had a significant influence on 19th-century literature, and his story 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King' became the basis for Tchaikovsky's famous ballet 'The Nutcracker'. He died on June 25, 1822, in Berlin.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Life and Opinions of the Tomcat Murr

    This novel is a satirical critique of society and the arts, told from the perspective of a highly intelligent and cultured tomcat named Murr. Murr writes his autobiography, displaying his views on life, art, and human nature, while also inadvertently including fragments of a biography of a musician friend. The narrative alternates between Murr's witty observations and the tragic life of the musician, creating a unique blend of humor and pathos.

  2. 2. The Best Tales Of Hoffmann

    "The Best Tales of Hoffmann" is a collection of captivating and imaginative stories written by E. T. A. Hoffmann. This anthology showcases the author's unique blend of fantasy, horror, and romance, taking readers on a journey through mysterious and enchanting worlds. From a man's obsession with a mechanical doll to a musician's encounter with a supernatural violin, each tale is filled with suspense, intricate plots, and vivid characters that will leave readers spellbound.

  3. 3. The Devil's Elixir

    The book is a captivating tale of supernatural intrigue and obsession, revolving around the life of a young man who comes into possession of a mysterious elixir that once belonged to a sinister monk. This potion, which is said to grant the drinker supernatural powers and insights, leads the protagonist on a dark and perilous journey. As he becomes increasingly entangled in the elixir's curse, the boundaries between reality and hallucination blur, drawing him into a world of demonic forces, doppelgängers, and haunting visions. The narrative weaves a complex web of passion, addiction, and the human psyche, exploring the depths of madness and the consequences of tampering with the unknown.

  4. 4. The Tales Of Hoffmann

    "The Tales of Hoffmann" is a collection of fantastical and eerie stories that delve into the supernatural and the bizarre. The narratives often feature the author's alter ego, a character named Hoffmann, who encounters a variety of strange and otherworldly phenomena. The stories blend elements of horror, romance, and satire, exploring the depths of human emotion and the dark corners of the imagination. Through a series of gripping tales, the book examines the interplay between reality and illusion, the rational and the irrational, and the mundane and the miraculous, leaving readers to ponder the fine line that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.

  5. 5. The Devil's Elixirs

    "The Devil's Elixirs" is a gripping tale of mystery and madness set in 18th-century Germany. The story follows a young monk who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and supernatural occurrences after unwittingly ingesting a mysterious elixir. As his sanity begins to unravel, he is forced to confront his darkest fears and confront the devil himself. With its haunting atmosphere and intricate plot, this gothic novel explores themes of identity, temptation, and the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion.